Weekend in Jefferson County, W.Va., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The three towns of Jefferson County make for an ideal weekend getaway to hit the famous Appalachian Trail (runs right through Harpers Ferry), take a historical or architectural tour, or to embark on a road trip to take in the beauty of the region. Travel between the towns is about 20 minutes.
The Washington Heritage Trail, a favorite destination for romantic weekends, is located in the scenic Eastern Panhandle and winds through Jefferson County (and Berkeley and Morgan counties). Discover places made famous by George Washington's visits, five 18th-century towns, and peaceful rural areas; www.washingtonheritagetrail.org.
Getting there: The drive from Baltimore is about 90 minutes. Round-trip fares (nonstop on Delta or Southwest) from $206 with a 21-day advance purchase; add $20 with a 14-day advance notice.
BUDGET: Shepherdstown
Stay: Comfort Inn is located near the I-70 and I-81 junction, offering easy access to the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (local horse racing track), and the Antietam National Battlefield (4 miles). Downtown dining and shopping are minutes away. Rates from $83, including breakfast. 70 Maddex Square Drive, 304-876-3160, www.comfortinn.com.
Eat: The menus at Domestic change weekly based on seasonal offerings from the region's farmers, ranchers and brewers. Stop into this creative American restaurant for salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and fish and chips. The lunch menu ranges from $7-$12. 117 E. German St., 304-876-1030, http://wvdomestic.com.
Experience: O'Hurley's General Store is the Thursday night hot spot when a dozen or more musicians perform traditional folk and dance music at the Heritage Music Jam Session (7:30-10 p.m.). 205 E. Washington St., 304-876-6907, http://ohurley.com. On a 90-minute walking tour through the backstreets of the oldest town in West Virginia, you'll hear about forgotten history, unrequited love and murder, mysterious tales and ghostly legends; $12. Tours start from the Shepherdstown Library entrance at German and King streets. 240-593- 2317, www.shepherdstownmysterieswalk.com.
MODERATE: Harpers Ferry
Stay: The Angler's Inn is a quaint, circa-1880 bed and breakfast offering accommodations with private bath and sitting room at rates from $150 weekdays, $185 weekends, including a full gourmet breakfast. Children over age 12 welcome. Sit a spell on the wraparound porch and stop in the parlor for afternoon refreshments and homemade cookies. Guided fishing packages also available. 867 Washington St., 304-535-1239, www.theanglersinn.com.
Eat: The Canal House, circa 1800, sources local and organic ingredients for seasonal dishes prepared from scratch from the original kitchen. Mains and entrees from $9-$24. The historic structure has four working fireplaces and 2-foot-thick stone walls. 1226 W. Washington St., 304-535-2880, www.canalhousecafe.com.
Experience: Get a thrilling whitewater rafting experience (Class I-III) on the Shenandoah River and Potomac River where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia come together. This guided 7-mile river excursion is suitable for ages 6-8 years (50 pounds) and up. Per person rates are $69 Sundays, $74 Saturdays and include rafts, paddles, lift vests, beverage, and shuttle to and from the river. 408 Alstadts Hill Road, 304-535-2663, www.riverriders.com.
SPLURGE: Charles Town
Stay: Situated on George Washington's first land purchase in 1750, Hillbrook Inn & Spa offers accommodations among three separate properties. Luxurious guest rooms in the Main House start from $189, including gourmet breakfast. For stays through May 31, use code Spring2015 for an additional 25 percent room rate savings, a $25 spa credit and a $25 dining credit. 4490 Summit Point Road, 304-725-4223, www.hillbrookinn.com. The Appalachian Scenic Trail is 6 miles from the inn.
Eat: The casually elegant Dish prepares dishes with local ingredients found in the lush valleys, mountains and rolling farmlands of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Entrees at this American bistro range from $12-$26; starters $7-$12. 213 W. Washington St., 304-728-8464, http://wvdish.com.
Experience: Take a four-hour tour of three northern Virginia wineries. The tour rate of $85 per person (plus gratuity) includes limousine transportation, tastings, gourmet snacks and a 10 percent discount on wine parings if you choose to dine at Hillbrook's Redbook Restaurant that evening. www.hillbrookinn.com/wine-tours.
